Biking in Kona? Here’s What You Need to Know
Looking to do some biking in Kona?
I’ve got this “starter kit” post to help you plan your bike adventure on the west side of the Big Island.
Many people take advantage of the varied terrains and climates near Kona to check routes off their bucket list and to train for the BIG one.
From tours to rentals to routes, I’ll help you plan what’s best for you.
Bike Tours in Kona
First, maybe you don’t want to rent a bike or travel with your bike.
Bike tours in Kona take the hassle out of planning and give some comradery among others on the tour with you to celebrate your biking achievements.
Fat Tire E-Bike Tour through Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with Volcano Ohana
βRating: 5 out of 5 stars πStart Time: 9:00am β³Tour Length: 3 hrs
Meet in Volcano Village then pedal with your tour into Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Comfortable e-bikes (or electrical bikes) help you with the hard part of pedaling, especially uphills; so even if you aren’t in the best shape you can still enjoy the ride!
Pedal throughout the park enjoying vista views of craters with lava, steam vents, and walking through a lava tube. Listen to tropical birds as you bike through the park and enjoy the tropical air blowing across your face.
They ask that you be at least an intermediate biker, no beginners.
One biker writes: This Ebike tour was fantastic and the best way to see Volcanoes national park! As a volcanologist I found Andre and Byronβs explanations of volcanic processes accurate and accessible for keeping everyone engaged. The bikes are amazing and are powerful so you can decide how much you want to peddle...It was an energizing and incredible experience. Highlight of our trip! – Molly
Private Electric Bike Tour with Lava Hike in Pahoa
βRating: 5 out of 5 stars πStart Time: varies β³Tour Length: 2 hrs
Stacy Welch will take up to 6 bikers on a unique tour of the 2018 Kilauea eruption. Ride e-bikes through Leilani Estates and hear stories from before, during, and after this devastating eruption that occurred in her very backyard.
The tour takes you biking over three fissures and hiking over Fissure 8.
One biker writes: You get to see the devastation and beauty of the 2018 eruption through the eyes of a local eyewitness. Fun, informative and awe-inspiring. – Andy
Big Island Bike Tours
While Big Island Bike Tours is based in Waimea, they do offer Kona pick-ups of groups of 5 or more. They also provide tours that start in Kona at the Ironman start/finish line.
Their tours are all-inclusive with a high-end carbon road bike, helmet, complimentary water bottle, snack & hydration drink, rain gear, CPR-certified guide, and a support vehicle.
Their Kona Coffee Country Road Bike Tour begins in Kona and is 3-4hrs long. It will take you up to Hualalai, technically an active volcano but last erupted in 1801. You’ll try some Kona coffee in the artist village of Holualoa before heading down to Kealakekua Bay to view the Captain Cook monument from afar. Then you’ll pass by St Benedict’s Painted Church and the popular snorkeling area, Two Step.
Call 808-769-1308 to book.
Bicycle Adventures
If you are looking for an all-inclusive week of biking, Bicycle Adventures has a 6-day itinerary that gets you pedaling around the island without having to do any planning.
Take a shuttle to starting points where they will drop you off for riding around Kona coffee farms, the City of Refuge, Punalu’u Black Sand Beach, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hamakua Coast to Akaka Falls, Waimea cowboy country, and over the Ironman’s route on Hwy 19.
Shuttle, bikes, hotels, entrance fees, and most meals are included on this unforgettable tour. Ride lengths vary from 15-55 miles per day at different ability levels; take the shuttle on stretches you want to pass on.
Bike Routes Around Kona
Now, to tantalize your bikinglust for tropical pedaling, let me tell you about some possible trails to choose from for biking in or near Kona on your own.
All of the Big Island roads are bikeable. There are some sketchy, not-so-safe areas due to the curving roads and lack of shoulder space. As always, act with caution and know your limits.
Hwy 19/Queen Ka’ahumanu Hwy
This road is the most popular as it is part of the Ironman World Championship route. It’s all highway shoulder riding, but there is plenty of comfortable space for both bikers and cars.
The entire Ironman route from Kona to Hawi is 112 miles roundtrip. Choose as much or as little of this route as you’d like. The most popular segment is to start at Kiholo Bay and ride to Puako and back. (be sure to snag hot malasadas from the food truck at the Puako turnoff for a mid-ride treat)
There are beaches you can off-shoot to if you need a dip in the ocean to cool off like Kua Bay. Waikoloa and Kaiwahe offer shops for supplies and respite.Β
It’s best to begin in the morning as this lava desert can be brutally hot and the afternoons can bring headwinds.
Ali’i Drive (and beyond)
Ali’i Drive is a quaint road in the heart of the tourist district of Kona. Heading south you’ll have a narrow bike path adjacent to the road and pass by many gift shops followed by neighborhoods trimmed in lattice frames and etched, artsy windows. There are a few beaches, an outdoor market, and fancy resorts until the road name changes to Mamalahoa Bypass and opens up to a wide highway-type layout with more shoulder room but not too much of a view.
Follow the road to its end, about 12 miles until it meets up with Hwy 11. You can turn around here or turn right onto Napo’opo’o Road and take it down the steep road to the ocean to Kealakekua Bay and Pu’uhonua ‘O Honaunau National Park for another 8.5 miles.
Koloko Trail (Jurassic Trail)
Koloko Trail, aka MakΔula ‘O’oma Trail, is a series of three trails in Holualoa: Jurassic Trail, Pig Skull, and Leg Check (I didn’t name these so don’t ask!)
As the name slightly implies this is a thickset tropical forest trail great for a technical mountain biking adventure. The 2-mile trail system starts with the Jurassic Trail as a singletrack opening up to a doubletrack with Pig Skull and Leg Check being offshoots.
Hikers and horseback riders share this trail and have the right of way.
To access these trails, park on the street at the Makahi St trailhead.
Wawaloli Beach Park
The Wawaloi Beach Park trail is a two-part 6.4-mile track for beginner to intermediate riders located just south of the Kona International Airport. The route is both sandy and lava rocky with a coastal view.
Starting at the parking lot you can go south or north. There is a sandy trail that starts near the parking lot. Or backtrack and follow the paved road to the bend and keep going straight where it converts to a gravel road and follow it along the coast.
Mana Road
Starting just outside of Waimea at mile marker 55 on Hwy 19 is Mana Road, which takes a fire road up Mauna Kea, technically the tallest mountain on earth from base to top. You’ll climb about 6,700ft over 42-miles. The average time takes just over 5hrs.
There are a lot of ups and downs on this mostly gravel route, mostly up (unless you start at the top of the mountain and ride down instead). Intermediate to advanced riders are recommended for this road.
You’ll want to seriously consider having someone drop you off and pick you up at the end.
‘Upolu Point
Ride a relatively flat dirt road on a 6-mile round trip to the birthplace of Kamehameha I and Mo’okini Heiau. This is a beginner to advanced trail.
Park at the ‘Upolu Airport just outside of Hawi. The trail is the dirt and lava rock road that runs along the green fence to the left.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Bring your bike into Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and ride around a volcano! All paved roads for vehicles are also open for bicycles.
Crater Rim Road is about 7 miles one-way on mostly paved/some unpaved road if you start at the Kilauea overlook and follow the road around the crater and take the hiking path of the Old Crater Rim Road to Keanakako’i Overlook.
Chain of Craters Road is about 22-miles one-way from the park entrance, all paved. The winding downhill route has an elevation difference of almost 4,000ft. Then it’s aaaaalllll uphill on the way back. Not for the faint of heart.
Escape Road is a 9-mile one-way gravel road used for an emergency escape route in the park. There are three access points: begin from Hwy 11 just before the park entrance, to the right of the Thurston Lava Tube trailhead, or the Mauna Ulu parking lot.
Park entrance fees apply.
Biking Clubs in Kona
Looking to join a community of local, like-minded individuals? Kona has a couple of bike clubs you can consider joining or reach out to for resources.
Hawaii Cycling Club
Hawaii Cycling Club (HCC) has a two-year membership fee of only $80 and it includes a dope jersey. For $20 you can forego the jersey.
Membership benefits include:
Race team Exclusive early entrance opportunity for The Dragon Weekly training and recreational rides Special events Safety advocacy Ride Information Education on cycling safety, group riding technique and etiquette Contests/giveaways Being a part of cycling advocacy and giving back to our community Discounts
Coffee Talk Riders
A group of women getting together to talk over coffee inadvertently formed a bicycle club. Go on rides, volunteer at events, train for events, celebrate birthdays…they do it all.
The only rule for becoming a member is participating in a group ride three times; no dues. Local “sponsors” give discounts to members. They also welcome visitors from out of state.
The group meets weekly at the Kona Target at 7am.
Bike Races in Kona
Are you the competitive type? Kona offers different bike races you could participate in.
Here are a couple to consider.
Ironman World Championship
I think because the Ironman World Championship is held here, biking in Kona is a popular sport for out of towners. People want to have a go at the triathlon bike route and see how well they hold up.
Since 1978, the Ironman World Championship has been held in Hawaii. From 1978-1980 the triathlon was held on Oahu. It was then moved to the Big Island where it has been ever since; except for 2022 where it is to be held off-island for the first time in St George, Utah due to Covid.
The Ironman route begins and ends on Ali’i Drive on the Big Island. The route is as follows:
β’ 2.4-miles (3.86km) open water swim in Kailua-Kona Bay
β’ 112-miles (180.25kim) lava desert bike ride from Kona to Hawi and back
β’ 26-miles (42.195km) coastal run from Keauhou to Keahole Point to Kona
To qualify for the Ironman World Championships you must first compete in other qualifying Ironman races around the world and place high in your age category.
The course world records are:
MEN
Full Course: 7:51:13 by Jan Frodeno of Germany in 2019
Swim: 46:29 by Jan Sibberse of Germany in 2018
Bike: 4:09:06 by Cameron Wurf of Australia 2018
Run: 2:39:45 by Patrick Lange of Germany in 2016
WOMEN
Full Course: 8:26:18 by Daniela Ryf of Switzerland in 2018
Swim: 48:14 by Lucy Charles of the United Kingdom in 2018
Bike: 4:26:07 by Daniela Ryf of Switzerland in 2018
Run: 2:50:26 by Miranda Carfrae of Australia in 2014
The Dragon
HCC hosts this beast of a race. The course consists of 9 separate hills to climb and the key to winning is almost more about strategy than speed.
Instead of racing by time, the points are scored by first to the top. The first racer to the top of the hill gets the most points, second place gets one point less, and so on. Once a racer finishes a hill, they must wait for all the racers to finish before starting the next hill.
The strategy includes determining which hills you want to tackle hardest and which ones you’ll want to pace yourself on.
The race is limited to 50 bikers, priority going to HCC members first, then open to the public.
Learn more here.
Bike Rentals in Kona
There are good options for renting a bike in Kona if you don’t want to ship your own on the plane. This could also be your chance to try a bike you’ve been wanting to test out.
Bike Works
Address: 75-5660 Kopiko St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Hours: Tues-Sat 9am-6pm; Mon-Sun Closed
Located just a little up the road from Ali’i Drive, Bike Works has…the works. Everything from water bottles to toe covers to bib liner shorts, they’ve got it all.
Their high-quality bike rentals are quite extensive, you’re sure to find the type you need: town, road, gravel, mountain, carbon, e-bikes, triathlon, and tandems. Prices start at only $25/day.
Rentals come with a repair kit that includes: spare tube, tire lever, multi-tool, and a hand pump. Also included upon request are a helmet and bike lock. Pedals are provided but on a first-come, first-served basis so they recommend bringing your own if you can.
They also service and repair bikes if you have your own that needs some assembly or TLC.
The staff is professional with aloha spirit and will make sure you walk out 100% prepared for your biking adventures. Use them as a resource for trail questions.
Kona Sports Center
Address: 74-5035 Kaβahumanu Hwy Suite #1101 Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740
Hours: Mon-Sat 9am-6pm Sun Closed
Off of Hwy 19, just outside the main part of town, Kona Sports Center has a great variety of bikes to rent, albeit not a large inventory; so book early.
Starting at $30/day, their options include: road, gravel, hybrid, mountain, carbon, e-bikes, triathlon, and tandems.
Helmets, bike lock, and an underseat bag that includes a tire repair kit can be added, at no charge, to the reservation. Pedal options are also complimentary but on a first-come, first-served basis and must be reserved.
Their services range from fixing a flat tire to building a custom bike. The crew is customer-oriented, knowledgeable, and helpful.
Kona Sports Center is also a one-stop shop for any other sports rentals you might need for your trip like beach, water, and camping gear.
Hawaii Island Bikeshare
For the less serious, just wanting to cruise-around-town type, Kona has a bikeshare program available. Hawaii Island Bikeshare (HIBIKE) has 7 stations set up throughout the city.
Essentially, the way the program works has you download the app (or pay at a kiosk station), grab a sticky-handled blue bike, toodle around town for 30 minutes, and find another docking station to switch out bikes for another 30 minutes.
The most common programs to choose from are:
A 30-minute ride is $3.50
Unlimited 30-minute rides all day is $10 (bike must be returned to a kiosk every 30 minutes or be charged a “late” fee*.
300 minutes to use whenever you’d like, for as long as you’d like is $25. Valid for one year.
*Overage, or late fees, are $4.50 per 30-minutes of being late.
Helmets are not included, nor available.
This could be a fun option for cruising Ali’i Drive, downtown Kona, or having an alternative way to get to Magic Sands Beach. Personally, I would be stressed about getting to docking stations every 30-minutes so would opt for the 300-minute option if I planned on biking all day.
FAQs
What are the Hawaii State Laws about Biking?
Most of the Hawaiian bike laws are about using common sense. Some key important rules to know are:
- Bicycle helmets are not required unless you are 16yrs and younger.
- Ride with traffic. It is illegal to ride against traffic.
- Stay on the right side of the road; unless it is unsafe to do so, then you may ride in the middle of the car lane.
- Bicyclists must use headlights and reflectors 30min after sunset until 30min before sunrise.
- Biking drunk is illegal.
A comprehensive look at all the Hawaiian bike laws can be found here.
How to Fly Your Bike to Kona?
Okay, now that I’ve given you a taste of biking on the Big Island, how are we gonna make that happen? Do you want to fly your own bike over?
You’ll first need to pack your bicycle. You could try asking a local bike shop if yofu can snag a cardboard box from their recycle bin. Or purchase a bike case like these: soft or hard.
Hawaiian Airlines bicycle fees are $100 for up to 50 pounds and 115 inches. To travel between islands it’s only $35. Overage fees go up to $150 for 51-70 pounds/$250 for 71-100 pounds from the mainland. $60 for 51-70 pounds/$120 for 71-100 pounds interisland.
Alaska Airlines has a sports equipment exemption for bicycles so you can check your bike as a standard piece of luggage without having to pay the oversize or overweight fees. Currently, the price is $30 for the first checked luggage and $40 for the second.
What to Pack for Biking in Kona?
What you pack for your biking adventures in Kona will depend on how serious of a biker you are.
Essential items you’ll want to bring are:
Water bottles – plural because it gets HOT out there with stretches of nothing so no place to refill.
Repair kit – bike rentals will come with one but if you are shipping your bike make sure you aren’t SOL if you get a flat
Headlights and reflectors – if you start before sunrise or maybe accidentally take longer than expected into the evening, you’ll need these to abide by the law
Rain jacket – rains come and go so fast, it can be clear sky sunny one minute, the next it could be monsooning.
Sun protection – whether it be a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, UPF clothing, or all four, use the necessary precautions to ward off crispy skin.
Saddle bags – for those extensive trips store foods, clothing, and accessories
Portable Charger – taking pictures, using your GPS, or Facetiming while you ride, will use up phone battery; you don’t want to be in the middle of nowhere without a charged phone.
Bike lock – when you take a break for a brewski or shave ice, lock up your bike for safety.
Your favorite biking attire – shorts, shirts, shoes…you know what works for you
For other Big Island action-packed adventures, check out:
Night Snorkeling with Manta Rays
Kona Scuba Diving
Finish Line
As you can see, biking in Kona offers various options to incorporate your favorite hobby into enjoying the wonders of the Big Island, aka a bike themed trip, from the deserty Ironman World Championship route to the roads traversing a living volcano.
I’d love to hear about your biking adventures in Kona!
πΊ Big Island Travel Planning Guide πΊ
π¨ Should I buy Hawaii travel insurance?
YES β I recommend Travel Insurance Master because you can compare multiple options with one click. With plans starting at $5/day per person, why not give yourself piece of mind? Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it!
π Is it safe to rent a car on the Big Island?
YES βΒ It’s totally safe to drive on the Big Island. And unless you plan to chill by the resort pool the entire time, renting a carΒ is pretty much a necessity on the Big Island! Jeep rentals are popular. I recommend Discount Hawaii Car Rental, as they have some of the best prices around.
π Will my phone work on the Big Island?
PROBABLY β Most, if not all, cell providers work on the Big Island. However, be prepared for some dead spots in the more remote parts of the island. For example, I always lose service driving through Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
ποΈ Whatβs the best way to book my Big Island accommodations?
For Big Island hotels, Booking.com is amazing because you can often reserve your room with no money down. If you are looking for an Airbnb condo with a kitchen and more space, don’t forget to check VRBO for potentially better prices and options.
βοΈ Whatβs the best site to buy Big Island flights?
I recommend looking at Skyscanner for finding cheap flights. Pro Tip: check if flying into Hilo is cheaper than flying into Kona.
π Do I need a passport to visit Hawaii?
NO β If you are a US citizen, you do not need a passport as Hawaii is part of the United States. If you are from out of the country, the same passport and visa requirements are the same as entering anywhere in the United States from your country.
π§³What should I pack to the Big Island?
Pack for tropical weather but also prepare for colder than expected nights and early mornings, so a light sweatshirt is recommended. Check out this list of 5 Things Not to Forget to Pack.
